Large rock slide and falls in the cradle of christianity: Maaloula (Damascus, Syria)

Abstract

The Maaloula village is situated in the Palmyrides Mountains (Syria), close to the anti Lebanon orogenic zone. The morphology of the village is the result of important tectonic activity, which resulted in an impressive narrow valley intersecting an anticline. Maaloula is well known as the place of the first example of Christianity sepulture, such as the Santa Tekla tomb (IV c. A.D.). Local population are still speaking traditional Aramaic language. Purpose of the work is to evaluate ongoing consolidation activities and to propose further development and implementation. The paper is describing the main rock engineering features of the Maaloula site and some recommendations for a proper implementation of a consolidation strategy for the conservation of Santa Tekla monastery. The latter is located below a small and isolated hanging blocks as well as adjacent to an important rock slide. The main features of the site have been synthesized from the all available documents and from some direct field survey and laboratory tests. All data have been utilized to establish a model for slope evolution. Some remarks and comment on ongoing consolidation works and other proposed projects are also reported. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.